Phillies

Aaron Nola Throws Worst Start of His Career in 14-7 Phillies Loss

By Luke Arcaini

Published: May 14th, 2025 · 11:31 PM EDT

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The Phillies took game one of a doubleheader vs. the Cardinals on Wednesday afternoon, then turned to Aaron Nola for the day-night sweep.

It turned out to be the worst start of his career.

The Cardinals tagged Nola for 7 runs, which would eventually turn into 9 when he was lifted for Tanner Banks with the bases loaded. St. Louis got three home runs from Lars Nootbar, Alec Burleson, and Masyn Winn, all off of Nola.

His final line was ugly:

3.2 innings pitched, 12 hits, 9 earned runs, one walk, two strikeouts, three home runs

12 hits and 9 earned runs were both career highs for Nola. The Cardinals put 19 balls in play and 13 of them were hit over 95 MPH. Nola topped out at 93 mph but sat 91.8 on his four seam fastball.

Here’s what Rob Thomson had to say about Nola’s start following the game:

“He just couldn’t put people away. A lot of mistakes, especially with two strikes. He didn’t have his best command, and he paid for it.”

Rob Thomson on Aaron Nola’s start, which was probably the worst of his career. pic.twitter.com/1Jb6eL8Fl4

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 15, 2025

In the first inning, he gets second and third and gets out of it with just one run. We come back and score 5 in the first, we feel pretty good about it with him on the mound. A lot of first pitch strikes, just couldn’t put people away. Just a lot of mistakes, especially with two strikes on hitters. Didn’t really have his best command, and he paid for it.

Nola’s ERA is now up to 6.16 on the season. It’s the worst start to a season in his entire career. Just when it started to look like Nola was starting to settle in, he gets shelled by the Cardinals.

The Phillies dropped their first series at Citizens Bank Park since last summer. They split the doubleheader and open up a three-game set on Friday night with the Pittsburgh Pirates.